It’s that glorious time of year when bushies descend on the city, mums swoon over woodchoppers and we just cannot get enough of strawberry sundaes and Dagwood Dogs–hello foodie heaven! It also means we get a glorious midweek public holiday, and you know we’re going to make the most of it!
We’ve rounded up where you’ll be partying Ekka Eve, and where you’ll be recovering the following day.
Ekka Eve
The Walrus Club at the Regatta | Toowong
You know you’re risking regretta if you’re not at the Regatta! This iconic pub’s secret underground bar will be celebrating the advent of Ekka on August 14 with 40+ rums on deck (including their own, blended in collaboration with rum masters Bundaberg!) and live music from 3 pm as part of their Rum Royale event. Book tix and party away!
The Foundry | Fortitude Valley
The place to be in the Valley for a boogie, The Foundry is the most dance-worthy spot on Ekka Eve with five Brisbane bands–including Concrete Surfers and Fight Ibis–taking the stage. Dig out your flares and platform shoes, grab yourself a cocktail and cut a rug! Just make sure to buy tix first here.
Little Big House | South Brisbane
You won’t just find treats in your Ekka showbags this Tuesday, kiddies! You can’t have a public holiday without ‘pub,’ which is why restored Queenslander/ party bringer Little Big House is hosting the ultimate Ekka Eve event. Think live music, a specialty Ekka espresso martini, free popcorn, free fairy floss, and FREE entry all night long.
Blutes Bar | Fortitude Valley
Did you know strawberry sundaes are a great hangover cure? Test the theory at The Ekka Eve Brisbane Pub Crawl kicking off at Blutes Bar on August 13 at 6 pm! A ticket to this bad boy will take you through four venues across four hours and a dizzying amount of yummy drinks.
Ekka public holiday
Deli Pop-up Picnic | New Farm
Taken one too many trips on the Ferris wheel? Find solid ground again at Merthyr Village’s New Farm Deli pop-up picnic on Ekka Wednesday! Make the most of the free entry by spending a storm at Merthyr’s pop-up kitchen, bar, deli, and coffee cart (with all proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital Foundation) before settling down for a gorgeous al fresco picnic in the village’s carpark.
Welcome to Bowen Hills | King Street
Only a nifty skip and hop from the Brisbane Showgrounds, WTBH will be wheeling out the good times all Ekka long (including Wednesday)! Fly in for free live music and their 50c chicken wings–available all day, erryday.
Netherworld | Fortitude Valley
Ekka feeling a little too packed this public holiday? Simply opt for Pac Man instead at Netherworld, the Valley’s awesome retro gaming and pinball arcade! They’ll be open on Wednesday from midday to 11 pm.
Darling & Co. | Paddington
Don’t ditch your Ekka tix just yet, Brisbane! Flash them at Darling & Co on Given Terrace anytime between Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 18 to receive a sweet 20% off the food bill.
Whatever you get up to, make sure it’s ekka-cellent. We’ll see ourselves out.
